Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Will's First 100 Miler


For those who already think my husband is crazy, think again! He's even more crazy.

This coming weekend, he will be running his first 100 mile race.

Yeah, that was two zero's. 100 miles.

The longest official race he has run at this point is 56 miles, which took him about 12 hours to complete. However, on his own he has run around Mt. Rainier (96 miles) in 40+ hours, which to date would be his longest trek without stopping. (He actually held the record for the fastest unsupported time on that trail, before another runner finally beat his time).

There are only a handful of 100 mile races that happen throughout the country each year. It is the mecca of racing for ultra-marathoners.

Running in a 100 mile race has been a goal of Will's for the past 2 years. Two years ago I thought he was absolutely nutso when he mentioned it. But now that I've acclimated into being an ultra's wife, supporting him, watching him train and get totally excited about these sorts of trail races - I totally get that 100 miles is only a stretch more than a 50 miler. Sort of.

So for anyone who would like to support him and cheer him on, or just come hang out with Preston and I, it's going to be in a really beautiful location - Port Gamble, which is over on the Olympic Peninsula. He starts running at 8 a.m. this Saturday morning and we expect him to finish sometime in the early afternoon on Sunday. We're camping Friday and Saturday. Let us know! We'd love to have a cheerleading section!

7 comments:

Rachel Goodwin Williams said...

Wow! Good luck Will! I understand his drive. I haven't gotten into the ultra thing (I limit myself to 1 marathon/year), but have several friends that do them. One gal Michelle Halsne completed her 100 mile race in CA last year and a little film company did a documentary on her. I went to the premiere several months ago and it was really interesting to watch (she had a camera on her the whole time.) Does he have a pacer for the end? I think that part was critical for her. The pacer was only allowed on the last 3rd of the race, but it made a huge difference to have someone there with her especially through the dark hours of the night! Wish we could go support, but we will be running the tulip run (only 5 miles), with family, and at church . Good luck to Will! Can't wait to hear about his success!

Lori-ann said...

As much as I would love to come hang with you and Preston, that's just not something I can do right now. :) Though I do think it would be fun and I wish Will all the best. And yes, he's crazy. I've known that for a while now.

And that boy of yours is awfully cute!

Carolyn said...

Tell us where and how to get there!

Marissa said...

Yep, totally crazy. I think my recent 6 mile run was a huge accomplishment..... The thought of doing 100 miles for fun is just crazy! :) Good luck to Will and have fun camping. :)

Sandy said...

Oh how I wish we could be there with you!! However, we will be thinking of you and wishing you the best. I'll be at the pharmacy all day, both days. It's nothing like 100 miler but it puts me to the test. Love you and here's a cheer ~ "Go Will, Go!"

Kellie said...

Wow, Will!!! That is amazing! Thanks for your encouragement on my 1/2 marathon - here's throwing it right back at ya... times 7.63! (100/13.1) Kellie

Tessha said...

Wow! Double zeros is really a big deal. That's got to be sheer determination. Way to go.

I didn't realize you held the title for the Mt. Rainer one. Neato.